Nithya Raman leads against Bass in Los Angeles mayoral election poll

LOS ANGELES:- City Councilmember Nithya Raman has posed a strong challenge to Mayor Karen Bass in a poll conducted for the upcoming Los Angeles mayoral election in November.

In a new survey conducted by the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley—co-sponsored by the *Los Angeles Times*—City Councilmember Nithya Raman holds a lead over Mayor Karen Bass among likely voters, with 39% support compared to 28%.

However, a survey of 2,150 likely voters conducted between September 15 and 20 shows that 33% remain undecided.

Survey director Mark DiCamillo told the *Los Angeles Times* that Raman holds a “clear lead,” but the large number of undecided voters is making the contest and its outcome uncertain.

Raman, who finished second behind Bass in the non-partisan primary election held in June, had previously trailed Bass in earlier polls.

However, a recent survey shows Raman overtaking Bass in nearly every part of the city. In the San Fernando Valley, Raman garnered 34% support compared to Bass’s 26%, with 40% of voters undecided; on the Westside, Raman holds a lead over Bass, 35% to 34%.

The survey also reveals a significant gap between the candidates based on age. Among voters aged 18 to 29, Raman secured 66% support compared to Bass’s 4%, while in the 30 to 39 age group, she garnered 64% support against Bass’s 12%.

In the latest survey, Raman received 50% support among voters aged 40 to 49, whereas Bass received 18%. However, the contest was much tighter among voters aged 50 to 64, with Raman at 35% and Bass at 33%.

In the survey, 63% expressed disagreement with Baas’s performance, while 28% expressed agreement and 9% had no opinion. There was a 40% positive view regarding Raman, whereas 39% held a negative view and 21% had no opinion.

Raman spent the period leading up to July criticizing Bass’s record, including the city’s handling of homelessness and its response to major fires. She has also garnered support from labor groups, including UNITE HERE Local 11 and the Democratic Socialists of America.

“We aren’t taking anything for granted—not a single vote,” Raman said in response to the poll. “So, my question to every Angeleno who is still making up their mind is simple: take a look at our campaign and give me the chance to earn your vote.”

Mail-in ballots for the November 3 election will start arriving in voters’ mailboxes on October 1.